The Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2024 is poised to commence at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh this Wednesday, under the esteemed patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
The forum is set to welcome delegates from over 80 nations and features an impressive lineup of over 200 distinguished speakers. Its agenda is centered around exploring the mineral industry’s future and addressing the sector’s pressing challenges.
Notably, the event will also serve as the venue for the third ministerial gathering of 45 mining ministers, aimed at fostering international collaboration on strategic mineral production and paving the way for the industry’s sustainable evolution.
This assembly is designed to highlight the region’s mining potential, enhancing its role as a key contributor to economic and social advancement.
Participants will include representatives from 30 non-governmental organizations, 20 international official bodies, and 13 labor unions.
Strategic Focus on Critical Minerals
This year’s conference will concentrate on four primary themes: formulating a worldwide critical mineral strategy, integrating excellence centers into regional plans, setting up a global transparent standard for mineral supplies, and establishing green metal value chains through innovative technologies.
Esteemed speakers, including CEOs from leading global mining firms, are set to take the stage, with notable first-time attendees like Glencore’s Gary Nagle, Vale’s Eduardo Bartolomeo, Codelco’s Maximo Pacheco, and BlackRock’s Natural Resources team leader Evy Hambro.
Spotlight on Renewable Energy
Saudi Vice Minister for Mining Affairs Khalid al-Mudaifer, in a press briefing last December, underscored the need for substantial investments in the mining realm to support the shift to renewable energy and achieve carbon neutrality, while noting current investment shortfalls.
Al-Mudaifer indicated that the FMF has emerged as the premier global platform for the mining and mineral sectors. In a novel initiative, a gathering of Geological Survey Leaders will take place in conjunction with the conference, aiming to address critical topics that bolster organizational capabilities in response to escalating mineral demands worldwide.
Slated for January 10 and 11, the FMF promises to convene more than 75 sessions and leverage the insights of over 200 speakers, marking a significant event in defining the mineral industry’s global trajectory.
